Nearly five weeks after an overnight fire, displaced residents of New Haven’s Bella Vista apartments are beginning to go back home.
The electrical system of Bella Vista’s Building D was replaced after damage from heavy smoke and flames from the August 14th fire. The repairs cost over one million dollars, according to the owner of the apartment complex, Carabetta Management.
170 apartments were without electricity, leaving residents unable to go back home.
“We housed just about 50% of residents displaced in local hotels,” explained Bella Vista manager William Johnson. “The others stayed with their families, friends, or made other accommodations through their renters insurance.”
Lillian Powers was the first resident to return to her apartment. Monday morning she enjoyed simple pleasures at home, laundry and making the bed.
“I’m standing in my own apartment and I’m very happy for that,” Powers said.
“For somebody like me with multiple medical and physical problems, it was a nightmare,” said Michael Altieri. Altieri stayed in a motel in Branford for weeks, and moved quickly after learning he could return to his apartment saying, “it’s great to be back.”
Five floors are still without electricity. The complex’s manager estimates those residents should be able to return home